Herkimer Now continues revitalization efforts

Members of the Herkimer Now Committee are hoping a local law adopted by an area village may help the village of Herkimer deal with problems with absentee landlords. Tina and Brian Cirelli obtained a copy of the village of Dolgeville’s local law requiring each out-of-area property owner to appoint a local co...

By Donna Thompson

The Times

By Donna Thompson

Posted Jan. 14, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 14, 2013 at 2:17 PM

By Donna Thompson

Posted Jan. 14, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 14, 2013 at 2:17 PM

Herkimer, N.Y.

Members of the Herkimer Now Committee are hoping a local law adopted by an area village may help the village of Herkimer deal with problems with absentee landlords.

Tina and Brian Cirelli obtained a copy of the village of Dolgeville’s local law requiring each out-of-area property owner to appoint a local contact person who can be reached in case of a problem, whether it be a fire, police matter or codes violation.

Tina Cirelli brought the copy of the law to last week’s meeting of the committee, in the Washburn Room of the Frank J. Basloe Library. She said under the law, property owners would be given several chances to appoint a contact person; those who do not comply with the law would be fined.

“It requires enforcement,” she said.

The couple said they would take the law to the Herkimer village board to see if the board would consider adopting a similar law.

Members of the group discussed having Hamilton College students conduct a building inventory.

The Herkimer Now Committee was formed about two-and-a-half years ago by a group of people interested in revitalizing the village’s Main Street.

The group is currently seeking status as a 501(c)3 non-for-profit organization, according to Herkimer Now President Scott Petucci. Once this is obtained, the group would be eligible to receive donations and apply for grants to beautify the area and help attract businesses to the village’s downtown area, he said. It was noted during last week’s meeting that there are some 25 empty storefronts on Main Street in the village.

The group has conducted several fundraisers, but its treasury is being handled by the village of Herkimer; once Herkimer Now receives 501(c)3 status, that won’t be necessary.

Members have also sponsored cleanup days on Main Street in the village and conducted several fundraisers, including last summer’s Superhero Sprint.

The group meets the last Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. and welcomes all those who are interested in getting involved.